Kieran O'Hara: Morecambe goalkeeper on training with David de Gea and learning in League 2

Adam Lord

Kieran O’Hara hopes tips from David de Gea will stand him in good stead as he continues his footballing education at Morecambe.

The Manchester United loanee, who made his Football League debut in The Shrimps’ 3-1 defeat at Northampton on Saturday, says he has learnt plenty watching the Old Trafford number one and Spanish international.

The 19-year-old said: “Sometimes we get to train with David and it’s good learn from someone who’s done what he’s done.

“The form he’s in now is outstanding and training with someone like that, you can learn what they do and watch them, try and replicate it and put it into your own game.

“I don’t think you can go far wrong.”

O’Hara, who has been with United since the age of eight, now gets to train alongside The Shrimps’ experienced stopper Barry Roche, who missed Saturday’s defeat through illness.

O’Hara said: “Especially with someone of Barry’s age and experience there’s always something to learn from someone like that.

“It can only help me and make me better.”

The Red Devils youngster only learnt he would be playing when he got on the coach to Northampton but wasn’t daunted about facing a side who went to the top of the league with their victory.

O’Hara said: “One of the lads mentioned he wasn’t feeling very well this morning and once I jumped onto the coach the gaffer sat me down and let me know that I was going to be starting.

“I wasn’t really nervous when he told me. I felt confident, it’s just a game of football.

“But when you get closer to the ground you start thinking about things.

“As soon as the whistle goes though it’s just game time and you settle in and do your thing.”

A lack of nerves showed in an impressive debut with the teenager believing on another day The Shrimps could have taken something from the game.

O’Hara said: “We knew it was going to be a tough game.

“They’re a good side, they’ve got a good squad of players. They don’t really lack in any areas, especially attacking.

“I think we were a bit unfortunate with the first goal because a quick free-kick is just a matter of concentration.

“After that our heads went down but we did much better in the second half, had a good few chances, and I think we could have got something.”

Having also spent time on loan with Stockport this season it was a first introduction to League 2 for O’Hara who knows it will aid his development compared to Under 21 football.

He said: “It’s always good to make your debut, especially in the Football League.

“It’s difficult, it’s tough, playing against men.

“You’re playing for points, it’s a competitive but you need to be put into that environment because I think it can only make me better.

“Everyone’s trying to win rather than concentrating on individual performances.”

Signed until the end of the season O’Hara will then return to Old Trafford ready to fight for his spot with Sam Johnstone, who has spent time with Preston, and Joel Castro Pereira, who has been with Rochdale, amongst the the other promising goalkeepers at the club.

O’Hara said: “We’re good friends but you draw a line when it comes to playing because you are competitive, you do want to be number one.

“It’s important that you don’t become too good friends with them because it can get in the way.